Languishing
Psalm 6, like Psalm 51, was written by David and is one of the “penitential” psalms meaning “relating to repentance”. Verses 1-2 reveal that David wrote the psalm at a time when he recognized the depth of his sin and was deeply troubled that he had offended God. There is a hidden message in these verses that relates directly to each member of God’s Church.
Psalm 6:1–2 (NKJV) – “O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger, nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure. Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled.”
The Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon defines the meaning of the Hebrew word translated “weak” as simply “weak” or “feeble”. In modern English, “feeble” defines an individual’s weak or frail condition.
However, according to the Theological Workbook of the Old Testament, the Hebrew not only communicates the condition but also the cause or reason of the condition. It is better translated as “languish” due to the execution of God’s punishment or discipline due to sin. The Hebrew word is used particularly when describing the condition of Ancient Israel after God’s punishments, resulting in the fall of both the House of Israel (Isaiah 33:9) and Judah (Jeremiah 14:2).
The significance in Psalm 6 is David not only recognizing his condition, but also how and why it came to be. It was a result of God’s righteous judgment of David’s sin. His strength could only be restored by and through his acknowledgement and submission to God. This lesson is powerful.
When we apply the same lesson to God’s Church today, we should clearly see that it is also languishing. The Church languishes, not because God scattered and divided the Church, but because of our sin. By definition, God’s Church is united (I Corinthians 12:12), but only as it is aligned in fellowship with God (1 John 1:1-3). The spiritual strength of each member contributes to the strength and health of the Church.
Thus, the key to unity and strength is a deep, continual awareness of our spiritual condition before God and our need for Him to heal us and free us from the sin that has weakened and separated us from Him and one another.
As we approach the spring festival season, let’s pray for God’s spiritual strength; not only focusing on the negative effect sin has on our relationship with Our Father and Christ, but also on the entire condition of the Church.
Bill Hutchison
